Romania's Aerostar Teams With Elbit
On MiG-29 "Sniper" Avionics Upgrade

Aerostar's MiG-29 Sniper upgrade offers NATO compatibility but needs life extension.

ILA 2000: Latest contender in the MiG-29 upgrade stakes is the "Sniper" program by Aerostar of Romania, which is showing the newly flown prototype for the first time at ILA.

Based on experience with upgrading its MiG-21s to Lancer standard with Elbit of Israel, Aerostar aims to make the MiG-29 fully NATO compatible and of delivering both Eastern and Western weapons.

Dasa is also involved in the program, according to Aerostar. The German company earlier signed a contract to extend the life of four Romanian MiG-29s.

The upgrade installs a modern avionics package and a much improved man machine interface with two multifunction color displays, a wide-angle HUD with up front control panel, and full HOTAS (hands on stick and throttle) controls.

The avionics package is designed with open architecture, allowing the ability to integrate other equipment at a later date.
The avionics include: a new digital mission computer with a NATO-compatible MIL-STD-1553B databus, and a state- of-the-art sensor system.

The modern communication, navigation and identification equipment includes a hybrid navigation system comprising an inertial navigation system coupled with a GPS receiver, VOR/ILS and DME; two jam resistant radios; and a NATO-compatible IFF transponder.

The Sniper is also equipped with a self-protection suite.

Aerostar claims the upgrade significantly enhances the MiG-29' s ability to deliver weapons with pinpoint accuracy. Romania has a fleet of 18 MiG-29s.

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